Sustainable Development

About this minor

Minor Structure

The programme consists of:

• Global Environmental Change and Sustainability (15 ECTS)
• Sustainability in Practice (8 ECTS)

And either one of the following Area Studies:

• Area Study Sustainability Netherlands (7 ECTS)
• Area Study Sustainability Portugal (7 ECTS)

More detailed information about the content of these courses can be found via the e-Prospectus.

This minor connects various different areas of sustainability knowledge, from natural sciences to social sciences. Students typically come from a wide variety of backgrounds, creating an interdisciplinary learning environment. You will be expected to participate actively, assisting your fellow students with the knowledge you can contribute from your discipline. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to broaden your perspective and learn from each other and experts in the field.  Through this dynamic exchange, you’ll gain the creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills necessary to tackle sustainability issues without feeling overwhelmed by their complexity. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to work on real-world projects, helping you build practical experience for your future career.

The Minor is a full-time, five-month programme and aimed at third-year Bachelor’s students. It's open to students from all disciplines, though some affinity with, or at least interest in quantitative skills and natural sciences is recommended.

Ready to make a difference? Apply for the Minor in Sustainable Development and take the first step towards solving the world’s most urgent sustainability challenges.

Why opt for this minor?

Minor concept
• This is a specially designed, interdisciplinary minor with courses that are closely coordinated rather than a combination of existing ones.
• You will engage with sustainability issues from both local and global perspectives, bridging theory with practical applications.

Minor contents
• Strong theoretical foundation: Gain in-depth knowledge on diverse aspects of sustainability, including an introduction to different sustainability assessment and social processes analysis methods, preparing you to apply this knowledge to real-world questions.
• Practical and creative skills: The minor helps you develop and apply a variety of skills, including academic writing, debating, and public speaking and creative skills like poster presentations, and pitching your ideas to an audience.
•Interdisciplinary collaboration: You will learn how to manage work in an interdisciplinary group and utilize your knowledge for a research project.
• Consultancy Experience: Gain hands-on experience in consultancy skills by working on a project with a real-life research question for an external client. 
• Feedback: You will receive and give extensive feedback from teachers and your peers to improve your skills and outcomes.

Minor outcomes
• Manageable Sustainability Solutions: You will learn how to break down complex sustainability problems into manageable tasks and solutions. 
• Real-World Engagement: The minor will encourage you to participate in real-world activities and discussions that address sustainability issues.
• Interdisciplinary Learning:  With a diverse group of students from various academic backgrounds, you have the opportunity to broaden your perspective and learn from peers with different skills and expertise. 
• Explore Future Pathways: This Minor may help you to discover new study interests and career directions in sustainability, potentially shaping your future academic and professional journey.

Course Description

Please see the E-prospectus.